Top 10 Facts about Lemurs

An animal native to island of Madagascar is explained on Facts about Lemurs. The term lemur was taken from Roman mythology of lemures. The meaning is spirit or ghost. The name was selected because of the slow pace and nocturnal habit of this slender animal. The physical appearance of lemurs reminds the people with the basal primates like galagos, pottos and lorises. Let us check other useful facts about lemurs below

Facts about Lemurs 1: the evolution

Lemurs have unique evolution because Madagascar experiences the highly seasonal climate. The diversity is impressive.

Lemurs Foot

Facts about Lemurs 2: the large lemurs

The size of lemurs was as big as gorilla shortly after human being came to Madagascar dated back 2,000 years ago.

Facts about Lemurs 3: the species of lemurs

Lemurs have at least 100 species. Since 1990s, most of them have been proposed to have a full species status. Actually, the species concept used by the people will affect the taxonomic classification of lemurs.

Facts about Lemurs 4: the weight of lemurs

The weight of lemurs is around 1.1 oz or 30 grams. The bigger ones may reach 20 lb or 9 kg. That is why it is considered as the smallest primate in the world.

Lemurs Tooth

Facts about Lemurs 5: the common traits

The common traits like the divergent digits on the feet and hands are spotted in lemurs. The traits are spotted in basal primates too.

Facts about Lemurs 6: the unique characteristics of lemurs

The female lemurs have social dominance in the group. The lemurs also perform dormancy like torpor or hibernation. The seasonal breeding is conducted for reproduction. To adapt with the seasonal climate, it has low basal metabolic rate.

Facts about Lemurs

Facts about Lemurs 7: the diet

The common diets for lemurs are leaves and fruits. It is believed that the larger species are herbivorous, while the smaller ones are omnivory for they also eat insects.

Facts about Lemurs 8: the seasonal climate adaptation

Lemurs conduct a number of adaptations due to the seasonal climate. They include the activities of day and night; smaller brain size, small group size, strict breeding, and hibernation.